Description:
This little-known refuge borders the St. Johns River and is
comprised of 19,000 acres of freshwater marsh, swamp, and uplands.
Waterfowl and marsh birds are attracted to the impounded pools.
Miles of dike surround the impoundments, and there are two nature
trails that travel through pine and hardwood forests.

Watchable wildlife:
October through February are the best months to visit the refuge,
when you have opportunity to see the 21 species of waterfowl that
overwinter here, including fulvous whistling ducks, ring-necked
ducks, and hooded mergansers. Bald eagles nest in the refuge from
November through April. Other birds you may see include sandhill
cranes, limpkins, tree swallows, warblers, hundreds of turkey
vultures, wood ducks, and American swallow-tailed kites. Otters
fish in canals and ponds, and bobcats prowl the dike.

Ownership:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Contact:
(386) 985-4673

Directions:
From DeLeon Springs, take U.S. Highway 17 west on Retta Street one
block to Grand Avenue. Refuge headquarters are 0.5 miles
south.